Becoming American

For discussion: Why do people leave their native country? What difficulties do they face in their journey? How easy is it to get used to a new culture? Can an immigrant be at home in America without losing his or her identity?

thenamejarSession 1: Leaving Home

  • The Long Way to a New Land by Joan Sandin
  • The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff
  • Dreaming of America: An Ellis Island Story by Eve Bunting

Session 2: Finding Our Way

  • When This World Was New by D.H. Figueredo
  • How Many Days to America? by Eve Bunting
  • Who Belongs Here? by Margy Burns Knight

Session 3: Feeling at Home

  • The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • A Gift for Gita by Rachna Gilmore
  • Behind the Mountains by Edwidge Danticat